polarizing
adjective
po·lar·iz·ing
ˈpō-lə-ˌrī-ziŋ 
: causing polarization: such as
a
: causing electromagnetic radiation and especially light waves to vibrate in a definite pattern
a camera lens equipped with a polarizing filter [=a filter that controls the passage of polarized light in order to reduce reflections, glare, etc.]
sunglasses with polarizing lenses
b
: causing a physical object (such as a particle or crystal) to enter a state of polarization
… applying a polarizing electric field to ferroelectric crystals …—
David Ritchie
David Ritchie
c
: causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groups
a polarizing political issue
As polarizing a figure as there is in the league, he is deified in L.A. and often detested elsewhere, yet not even his detractors can deny his talent or accomplishments.—Chris Ballard
Chris BallardOur media's attention often spins around unnuanced, polarizing opinions and hasty, inflammatory statements.—Heather Lanier
Heather LanierExamples of polarizing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Fast-forward 15 years to the 1998 draft and by far the most polarizing prospect was Randy Moss.
—Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Long one of golf’s most polarizing figures, Reed left LIV Golf at the beginning of 2026 in an effort to work his way back to the PGA Tour.
—Justin Ray, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The series, which premieres on Monday, April 6 and airs across the week, brings together sixteen of the most polarizing figures in pop culture to compete in a series of mental and physical challenges over four days, filmed against the backdrop of a luxury chalet in Park City, Utah.
—Peter White, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026
Kurtzman has overseen seven Star Trek series since signing his 2017 production deal with Paramount: Discovery, Picard, Strange New Worlds, Lower Decks, Prodigy, Short Treks, and Starfleet Academy — the last of which was canceled earlier this month after making its polarizing debut in January.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Mar. 2026
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Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Long one of golf’s most polarizing figures, Reed left LIV Golf at the beginning of 2026 in an effort to work his way back to the PGA Tour.
—Justin Ray, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The series, which premieres on Monday, April 6 and airs across the week, brings together sixteen of the most polarizing figures in pop culture to compete in a series of mental and physical challenges over four days, filmed against the backdrop of a luxury chalet in Park City, Utah.
—Peter White, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026
Kurtzman has overseen seven Star Trek series since signing his 2017 production deal with Paramount: Discovery, Picard, Strange New Worlds, Lower Decks, Prodigy, Short Treks, and Starfleet Academy — the last of which was canceled earlier this month after making its polarizing debut in January.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polarizing
Cite this Entry
“Polarizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarizing. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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